Rosie the Riveter, with her steel gaze and curly-q, is just as recognizable today as she was decades ago. With a few key pieces and a little make, do, and mend spirit you can bring your own DIY Rosie the Riveter outfit to life.
DIY Rosie the Riveter Outfit Anyone Can Put Together
If you're running low on time and need a Halloween costume fast, we've got you covered! Rosie the Riveter might be immediately recognizable, but her costume is hard to mess up. Ready for a raid-your-closet costume tutorial made for putting together on the night before Halloween?
The Major Costume Components
Unlike massive armored Halloween costumes, Rosie the Riveter only has a handful of main costume components. So long as you have all these pieces, you'll be a dead-ringer for Rosie.
Red & White Polka-Dotted Bandana
You can't be Rosie without her iconic red and white polka-dotted bandana. If you're not a stickler for accuracy, just a red bandana will do.
Westinghouse Electric Service Pin
On Rosie's collar is a Westinghouse Electric Service pin. Chances are you probably don't have one just lying around. While you can buy replicas online, you could also grab a blank button pink and print off a picture of the original Westinghouse pin logo.
Don't have any of these in your closet? You can get the bandana, pin replica, and matching Rosie patch in this handy Rosie the Riveter accessories kit.
Coveralls
Coveralls are the last major costume piece you need to put together your DIY Rosie the Riveter outfit. While coveralls like these from Lana Roux are best, short-sleeved coveralls, overalls + a dark shirt, or a long-sleeved denim shirt will all work just as well.
Accessories That Take Things Up a Notch
The devil's in the details. Take your DIY Rosie the Riveter costume up a notch with these accessories.
Metal Lunch Pail
Sell the working woman look with a retro-style lunch pail. We're not talking about those iconic collectible metal lunchboxes from your childhood. Rather, a rounded metal lunch pail like this one. Or if you really can't part from that childhood nostalgia, embrace the look with this Rosie the Riveter-themed one.
Tools/Hardware
Keep in line with the manufacturing theme with some hard-hitting tools like wrenches, pipes, or screwdrivers. Bring the whole toolbox while you're at it!
Period Accurate Shoes & Socks
While you can go for comfort over accuracy with a hefty pair of steel-toed work boots, most women rocked less safe shoes in their war work. Small wedge heels and leather loafers were just two of the many ration-friendly options women made do with.
When going with the loafers option, make sure you pair it with calf-length wool socks (or something similar). Sorry millennials, ankle socks just won't do.
How to Recreate Rosie's 1940s Pin Curl
Rosie's hair is mostly hidden under her bandana, but you need her iconic pin curl piece to complete your look.
- Section a portion of the front of your hair using a tail comb.
- Curl that section with a curling wand or curling iron.
- Let the hair gently cascade off the barrel into your fingers, making sure to keep the curl's barrel shape.
- Tighten the curl against your hairline and pin it in place with bobby pins.
- Finish off with a little hairspray.
@travelingwithjessica Pin curl girly always these bobby pins are my favorite! Let me know if you’ve tried this look! #pincurls #pincurltutorials #hairvideos #hairtutorial #hairtiktok Resonance . The Arabic Version. - YAD Oud |
How to Tie Rosie the Riveter's Bandana
Tying a bandana Rosie the Riveter-style is easier than you think!
- If you've got short hair, leave it as is. As for long hair, you should secure it into a low or mid bun using u-pins.
- Fold and wrap the bandana, taking care to cover up the bun in the back.
- Tie it into a square knot and let the ends drop naturally.
@imtiffanyyu Learned how to tie this bandana from @hollywooditgirls #rosietheriveter #bandana #diversevoices #onehand #vintage #tiktoktaughtme #howto #fashion Super Mario Bros. - Sideviewer
How to Apply Rosie the Riveter's Makeup
If you're not a vintage makeup aficionado, then it's best to stick with the fewest techniques possible. Thankfully, Rosie's 1940s makeup is rather easy to recreate.
- Apply your favorite foundation.
- Line your eyes and apply a touch of shadow in a natural tone that's a shade or two deeper than your skin tone over the lid.
- Apply black mascara to your lashes. If you're comfortable, apply wispy false lashes as well.
- Darken your eyebrows with a pomade or pencil.
- Apply a little rouge just underneath your cheekbone and onto your cheek.
- Put on some red lipstick, and you're done!
Rosie the Riveter Costumes You Can Buy
If you're not sure you're the do-it-yourself type, there are several places where you can purchase the full costume in one.
Amazon has a few good Rosie the Riveter picks to choose from.
- Fun Costumes' Rosie the Riveter & Plus-Size Rosie the Riveter
- California Costumes' Girls Rosie the Riveter
- Princess Paradises' Baby/Toddler Rosie the Riveter
Halloween Costumes also has some great options.
- An infant Rosie the Riveter
- A girl's Rosie the Riveter
- A basic adult Rosie the Riveter
- A basic adult plus size Rosie the Riveter
Everything's Coming Up Rosie
DIY is just our generation's version of make, do, and mend. Embrace your grandparents' or great-grandparents' powerful spirit by putting together your own version of this legendary American icon.
